Melrose schools to have arts director again

Wednesday

Jun 11, 2014 at 4:18 PMJun 11, 2014 at 4:18 PM

By Jessica Sacco/jsacco@wickedlocal.com

After a multi-year absence, a fine arts director position will return to the Melrose Public Schools next year.Superintendent Cyndy Taymore announced funding became available for the job, during a School Committee meeting on May 27.The position was not originally budgeted for fiscal 2015. It became possible, however, due to a small decrease in the number of special education students in certain programs next year, which allowed for salary savings from two staff members."Nobody will lose out in any way and no staff person will be laid off," Taymore said. "We have a couple retirements and somebody who is leaving the district for personal reasons. By not filling those positions, we gained the money we needed."That savings totaled $94,000. Taymore is allocating $80,000 for the director of fine and performing arts. By contract, the person hired could be required to teach up to two classes.The remaining $14,000 will be used to cover part of the salary of a teacher who is retiring in November. This person was originally scheduled to retire on June 30.A search to fill the position is currently underway and Taymore hopes to have someone start by July 1.SATISFYING A NEEDThe soon-to-be fine arts director comes after much demand from community members. In April, residents went before the School Committee to voice the need for a leader to further art-related programs in the district.Members then voted to make the position the number one priority for the schools if money were to become available.Taymore told the Free Press now that the position is established, her aim is to continue funding it in the coming years."I donít ever predict the future [but] the goal is to keep it in the budget," she said. "By putting it in the budget now, I believe it will be possible."Member Chris Casatelli, who made the initial motion at the meeting in April, told the Free Press this week she is excited to see the job become a reality."I think some of us have been putting pressure on the superintendent to ask her to please find money for the position because we thought it was so important," she said. "There were many positions that she wanted to fill. This was one of them. I think it was important for the community to articulate that we thought this was the number one priority of the positions that she wanted."Proponents also pointed out that officials cut the position several years ago after Joe Messina retired due to budget constraints, but promised to restore it.Resident Arleen Frasca was one of many who campaigned for the position, calling for a commitment to the arts in Melrose schools."I think that the arts are incredibly important and research has shown the importance of fostering creativity right through grade 12," she said. "They need administrative oversight to make sure policies in the district continue to support and make opportunities available."Taymore and Casatelli said the arts director will help nurture the new arts pathway at Melrose High School, similar to a Capstone project where electives and other courses focus on the arts."Beyond that, thereís lots of things that art and music is a factor of," Taymore said. "You need somebody who is knowledgeable in all of this, to bring their expertise to the discussion."